xúnwèn: 询问 - To Inquire, To Ask, To Question (formally)

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• Summary: Learn how to use the formal Chinese verb 询问 (xúnwèn), which means “to inquire” or “to ask about.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage in situations like business, customer service, or official matters. Discover the key difference between the formal 询问 (xúnwèn) and the common, everyday verb 问 (wèn) to elevate your Chinese politeness and accuracy.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xúnwèn
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To inquire or ask about something, typically in a formal or serious context.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 询问 (xúnwèn) as the formal, more serious cousin of the everyday word for “ask” (问 wèn). You don't use it to ask a friend for the time. You use it when you're at a bank asking about account details, when a doctor is inquiring about your symptoms, or when a police officer is questioning a witness. It implies a structured, purposeful act of seeking specific information.

• 询 (xún): This character is about seeking information through words. It's composed of the “speech” radical 言 (yán) on the left, which signifies talking, and 旬 (xún) on the right, which primarily provides the phonetic sound. The character's essence is “to ask with words.”
• 问 (wèn): This is one of the most intuitive characters. It's a picture of a 口 (kǒu), or “mouth,” inside a 门 (mén), or “door.” Imagine someone sticking their head through a doorway to ask a question. This character is the fundamental building block for “asking.”

By combining the formal “inquire with words” (询) and the basic “ask” (问), the term 询问 (xúnwèn) is created. It elevates the simple act of asking into a more formal, official, or serious inquiry.

The existence of a common word like 询问 (xúnwèn) highlights the importance of situational formality in Chinese culture. While English has “ask” and “inquire,” the distinction is often a matter of personal style. In Chinese, choosing between 问 (wèn) and 询问 (xúnwèn) is a clearer signal of your social awareness. Using 询问 (xúnwèn) in the correct context—such as when addressing a superior, an official, or a professional—shows respect and acknowledges the seriousness of the situation. Conversely, using it in a casual setting with friends can sound stiff, distant, or even sarcastic. This linguistic choice is tied to the concept of maintaining social harmony and giving “face” (面子 miànzi) by using appropriately respectful language for the occasion. It reflects a social structure where recognizing hierarchy and context in communication is highly valued.

询问 (xúnwèn) is most frequently encountered in professional, official, or service-oriented interactions.

• Official and Authoritative Contexts: This is the classic use case. Police, government officials, journalists, and doctors all 询问 people to gather information.
  • Police officer to a witness: “我们正在询问您关于昨晚事件的情况。” (We are questioning you about the situation last night.)
• Customer Service and Business: When you call a company's hotline or visit an information desk, the interaction involves 询问.
  • Customer to staff: “我想询问一下退货政策。” (I'd like to inquire about the return policy.)
• Formal Written Communication: It is very common in formal emails, letters, and official announcements.
  • In an email: “感谢您的询问，我们会尽快给您答复。” (Thank you for your inquiry, we will reply as soon as possible.)
• Academic and Professional Settings: A student might 询问 a professor about their research, or an employee might be questioned by their manager about project progress.

It is almost never used for casual, everyday questions among friends, family, or peers. For that, you always use 问 (wèn).

• Example 1:
  • 警察正在向目击者询问事故的细节。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngchá zhèngzài xiàng mùjīzhě xúnwèn shìgù de xìjié.
  • English: The police are questioning the witness about the details of the accident.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, official use of 询问. The context is formal and serious (a police investigation).
• Example 2:
  • 我打电话给航空公司，询问我的航班是否延误了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ dǎ diànhuà gěi hángkōng gōngsī, xúnwèn wǒ de hángbān shìfǒu yánwù le.
  • English: I called the airline to inquire whether my flight was delayed.
  • Analysis: This is a typical customer service interaction. You are formally requesting specific information.
• Example 3:
  • 医生仔细地询问病人的病史和症状。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng zǐxì de xúnwèn bìngrén de bìngshǐ hé zhèngzhuàng.
  • English: The doctor carefully inquired about the patient's medical history and symptoms.
  • Analysis: This shows a professional seeking information in their official capacity. The tone is serious and methodical.
• Example 4:
  • 如果您有任何问题，请随时向我们的客服团队询问。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nín yǒu rènhé wèntí, qǐng suíshí xiàng wǒmen de kèfú tuánduì xúnwèn.
  • English: If you have any questions, please feel free to inquire with our customer service team at any time.
  • Analysis: This is common in formal business communication, both written and spoken. It uses the polite “您 (nín)”.
• Example 5:
  • 经理把我叫到办公室，询问项目的进展情况。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ bǎ wǒ jiào dào bàngōngshì, xúnwèn xiàngmù de jìnzhǎn qíngkuàng.
  • English: The manager called me into the office to ask about the project's progress.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a formal interaction within a workplace hierarchy (manager to employee).
• Example 6:
  • 记者向那位官员询问了关于新政策的看法。
  • Pinyin: Jìzhě xiàng nà wèi guānyuán xúnwèn le guānyú xīn zhèngcè de kànfǎ.
  • English: The journalist questioned the official about his views on the new policy.
  • Analysis: Used in the context of a formal interview or press conference.
• Example 7:
  • 我想询问一下，申请这个职位需要什么资格？
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng xúnwèn yīxià, shēnqǐng zhège zhíwèi xūyào shénme zīgé?
  • English: I'd like to inquire, what qualifications are needed to apply for this position?
  • Analysis: A perfect example of a formal inquiry during a job application process or at a recruitment fair.
• Example 8:
  • 他向当地人询问去火车站的路。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiàng dāngdì rén xúnwèn qù huǒchēzhàn de lù.
  • English: He inquired with the locals for the way to the train station.
  • Analysis: While “问路 (wèn lù)” (to ask for directions) is more common, using 询问 here suggests a more formal, polite, and perhaps slightly detached interaction with strangers.
• Example 9:
  • 我们收到了许多关于产品价格的询问。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen shōudào le xǔduō guānyú chǎnpǐn jiàgé de xúnwèn.
  • English: We have received many inquiries regarding the product's price.
  • Analysis: Here, 询问 is used as a noun, meaning “an inquiry” or “inquiries.”
• Example 10:
  • 老师询问了学生缺课的原因。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī xúnwèn le xuéshēng quēkè de yuányīn.
  • English: The teacher inquired about the reason for the student's absence.
  • Analysis: This shows the use in an academic context, where the teacher is in a position of authority.

The most common mistake for learners is overusing 询问 (xúnwèn) in casual, daily situations. It makes your Chinese sound unnatural and overly formal.

• The “Ask a Friend” Mistake: Never use 询问 for simple questions with friends or family.
  • Incorrect: 我想询问你今晚想吃什么？ (Wǒ xiǎng xúnwèn nǐ jīnwǎn xiǎng chī shénme?)
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds like you are formally interrogating your friend about their dinner preferences. It's awkward and stiff.
  • Correct: 我想问你今晚想吃什么？ (Wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ jīnwǎn xiǎng chī shénme?)
• `询问` (xúnwèn) vs. `问` (wèn):
  • 问 (wèn): The default, all-purpose verb for “to ask.” It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When in doubt, use 问.
  • 询问 (xúnwèn): A specialized verb for *formal* or *official* inquiries only. It adds a layer of seriousness and respect.
• `询问` (xúnwèn) vs. `提问` (tíwèn):
  • 询问 (xúnwèn): To seek information, to make an inquiry. The focus is on getting an answer. (e.g., inquiring about a flight).
  • 提问 (tíwèn): To “raise a question” or “pose a question.” The focus is on the action of asking itself, often in a structured setting like a classroom (“老师，我能提个问吗？” - Teacher, may I ask a question?) or a press conference.

• 问 (wèn) - The general, everyday word for “to ask.” It is the most common and versatile choice.
• 请问 (qǐngwèn) - “Excuse me, may I ask…?” A polite phrase used to begin a question to a stranger.
• 提问 (tíwèn) - To raise a question, to pose a question (e.g., in a class, at a conference).
• 咨询 (zīxún) - To consult, to seek expert advice (e.g., from a lawyer, doctor, or consultant).
• 打听 (dǎting) - To ask around, to try to find out information, often informally or about personal matters.
• 质问 (zhìwèn) - To question sharply or interrogate, usually with an accusatory tone.
• 盘问 (pánwèn) - To cross-examine or interrogate intensely, especially by police or authorities.
• 调查 (diàochá) - To investigate, to survey. An investigation often involves the act of 询问.